AKPABUYO– Chaos has erupted in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State as indigenes reject the forceful imposition of an acting Paramount Ruler. The controversy follows the appointment of Etinyin Francis Effiom Edem, clan head of Esuk Mba, as acting paramount ruler a few months ago.
Indigenes of Akpabuyo have expressed strong opposition to the appointment, citing disregard for traditional norms and customs. The development has sparked tension and distrust among traditional rulers in the area. This is not the first time Akpabuyo has experienced chieftaincy disputes, which often lead to violent clashes and social unrest.
The situation in Akpabuyo highlights the complexities surrounding traditional institutions and government intervention. Chieftaincy disputes can escalate into full-blown crises, especially when individuals exploit these tensions for their gain. The lack of autonomy and interference from state governments can erode the credibility of traditional institutions, making it challenging for them to mediate disputes and maintain peace.
Resolving such disputes requires a delicate balance between respecting traditional norms and addressing the interests of various stakeholders. The government must tread carefully to avoid exacerbating the situation and ensure that the rights of indigenes are protected. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will navigate this complex issue and restore peace in Akpabuyo.
The entire citizens of Akpabuyo LGA are calling for the attention of the State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu to help intervene as he has always done so that a full blown war does not resonate in the midst of this crises.
Some of the villagers has these to comment about the situation;
*WE WANT TO INFORM THE GOVERNMENT OF CROSS RIVER STATE THAT THE ACTING PARAMOUNT RULER OF AKPABUYO LGA IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO BE CAPPED AS A SUBSTANTIVE PARAMOUNT RULER OF AKPABUYO BECAUSE HE HAS NO INTEGRITY AND LACKS THE TRADITIONAL TRUTH THAT IS EXPECTED OF HIM AS THE PARAMOUNT RULER MORESO HE HAS NOT GONE THROUGH THE DUE PROCESS OF SELECTION OF BEING A PARAMOUNT RULER.*
*The acting paramount ruler of Akpabuyo L.G.A has refused to give room for lawfully selection of eligible heads, therefore he is not fit to sit on the traditional stool of the Akpabuyo people. He indulges into bribe taking, double hand, compromise, creating of traditional crises, breach of trust of the people, abuse of office and administrative high handedness. We demand that he should not be capped.*
*THE ENTIRE AKPABUYO LGA ARE SADDENED WITH THE IRRATIONAL CONDUCT OF THE ACTING PARAMOUNT RULER OF AKPABUYO LGA IN ARBITRARY SELECTION AND FORCEFUL IMPOSITION OF SOME PERSONS ON THEIR VILLAGES,HENCE THIS ARE SET FIRE ON SO MANY VILLAGES IN AKPABUYO.THEREFORE HE IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO REPRESENT THE GOOD PEOPLE OF AKPABUYO*
The worries of almost all the Indigenes is that, the acting Paramount Ruler has been involved in controversial imposition of village heads in most villages without the knowledge of the village thereby causing unrest in Akpabuyo, he has made someone a village head who is a political appointee thereby going against the policy of the state Government, he crowned someone a village head secretly in the comfort of his home without the knowledge of his clan nor the village involved, his integrity is in question as well as land grabbing, and other illegal activities that is causing severe harm the entire LGA.
